Medicine abuse is a growing problem among teens in the United States. One in six teens has abused medicine, and medicine is the most commonly abused drug among 12- to 13-year-olds. I have joined The Partnership at DrugFree.org on The Medicine Abuse Project, a national awareness campaign to prevent medicine abuse in teens. The project launches Sunday and aims to prevent half a million teens from abusing medicine within five years.

The Medicine Abuse Project encourages communities to educate people about the dangers of abusing medicine, monitor prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, safeguard and properly dispose of unused medication, and eliminate improper prescribing and dispensing practices. Sign the pledge today at MedicineAbuseProject.org to learn about medicine abuse and talk to your teens about it.

The launch of The Medicine Abuse Project culminates with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Sept. 29 from 12 to 2 p.m. Click here to find a drop-off location near you.

We have the power to stop this epidemic, and I encourage you to sign the pledge and begin your efforts this week.

Attorney General Pam Bondi launched a new webpage dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking and recent efforts to make Florida a zero-tolerance state for human trafficking. Attorney General Bondi worked with the Florida Legislature to enact laws that enhance penalties and provide additional measures to stop human trafficking. To access this new webpage, please visit MyFloridaLegal.com.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that a Santa Rosa County resident was taken into custody and charged with one count of Medicaid fraud. Shannon Boyette, owner of Boyette Home Health Care, was taken into custody after an investigation by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Boyette, 31, allegedly submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid in excess of $6,600. Additionally, Boyette allegedly falsified service logs and failed to conduct employee background checks. Medicaid fraud investigators discovered an alleged 123 fraudulent claims filed by Boyette Home Health Services in 2011.

Boyette is charged with one count of Medicaid fraud, a third-degree felony. If convicted she could receive up to five years in prison, $5,000 in court fines, and a mandatory fine equal to five times the amount of the fraud. The case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office under the authority of the State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit.

Events

Disability Employment Awareness Month

During Tuesday’s Florida Cabinet meeting, Attorney General Bondi sponsored a resolution naming October Disability Employment Awareness Month, recognizing the contributions of the 5.7 million Floridians with disabilities.

Also during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Kate MacFall with the Animal Shelter Foundation, represented the Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center. She brought Snoopy, a daschund, who is available for adoption. To learn more about adopting a pet, visit: http://www.talgov.com/animals/index.cfm.

Topics of Interest

Attorney General Bondi’s Statement on Constitution Day

“On Sept. 17 in 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the United States Constitution, hoping to form a more perfect union and secure the blessings of liberty. For 225 years, the Constitution has guided our nation in self-government. I remain committed to honoring and defending the Constitution and the God-given freedoms that it protects."